Canon
RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
Canon RF Mount
An affordable portrait and macro hybrid — f/2 aperture, 0.5x magnification, and 5-stop IS in a compact package.
$599
Launch priceReleased Jul 2020
Sony
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Sony E Mount
The ultimate standard zoom — incredibly sharp, exceptionally compact, and built for professionals.
$2,299
Launch priceReleased Apr 2022
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is 1.8 years newer.
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Wins
RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
Wins
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Min focus distance (21 cm vs 35 cm)
- ARF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has higher Max magnification (0.5 × vs 0.32 ×)
- ARF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has lower Length (78 mm vs 120 mm)
- ARF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2 vs f/2.8)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to shareRF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
⌀79 × 78 mm
500 g (1.10 lb / 17.64 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
⌀88 × 120 mm
695 g (1.53 lb / 24.52 oz)
RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is 42mm shorter and 9mm narrower than FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II.
RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is 195 g lighter than FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II.
Diameter (⌀) is the maximum barrel width; length is measured from the mount to the front of the lens.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 UD
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM supports it
- ✓
Length
78 mm vs 120 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
500 g vs 695 g — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.5 × vs 0.32 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 XA (extreme aspherical), 3 Aspherical, 2 ED…
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II supports it
- ✓
Min focus distance
21 cm vs 35 cm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Control ring
Both support control ring
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
Pros
- ✓Excellent value for portrait and close-up work
- ✓0.5x macro magnification built in
- ✓5-stop optical image stabilization
- ✓Compact and lightweight (500g)
Cons
- –f/2 not as shallow as f/1.2 L lenses
- –Plastic construction, not L-series
- –AF slightly slower than USM lenses
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Pros
- ✓Outstanding sharpness across the entire zoom range
- ✓Remarkably small and lightweight for an f/2.8 zoom
- ✓Four XD Linear focus motors provide blazing-fast AF tracking
- ✓Excellent close-up magnification
- ✓De-clickable aperture ring and customized function buttons
Cons
- –No built-in optical image stabilization (relies on body IBIS)
- –High launch price
- –Aperture ring can be easily bumped if not locked
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM and FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed October 2026.